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Music Outfitters, Inc. |
Harps
Harps are one of the largest of all string instruments and are the oldest known stringed instrument - believed to be close to 15,000 years old. The name comes from Anglo-Saxon, Old German, and Old Norse words meaning "to pluck". Over time, harps have evolved into hundreds of shapes and sizes. There are three basic forms of harp: bowed, angle, and frame. Most harps are played with the fingertips, although some harps are played with the fingernails. Lily harps are our only harp that is not intended for true musical play. They are a beautiful harp perfectly suited for home décor. You can achieve limited tunes from this harp. It has 8 strings and one full octave. This harps includes a tuning tool. Baby harps are our smallest functional harp. Although only 21 inches in size, these harps are designed to be played. There are 12 strings and 1 ½ octaves. They are perfect for a child, but the more accomplished harpist will enjoy this small prize as well. We have two styles of Pixie harps. Both are 31 inches and have 19 strings. The style with a small foot is free standing. The style without a foot is held in the lap or rested against the shins while seated. This style, without feet, is reminiscent of the original medieval Celtic harps. Both are beautiful. They may be stood, or laid on a table as a décor piece. With 2 ½ octaves, the Pixie is the perfect size for young students. Our Heather harps are very popular with beginners. The Heather is a mid-sized harp, standing 36 inches tall. It has 3 octaves with one octave below Middle C. This provides a great deal of playing range for the beginner. This size is also easily carried by younger players. Our Minstrel harps are for the more accomplished harpist, but are also a great decor piece, standing 38 inches tall. They have a large range of notes, 4 octaves, and a full resonating sound. While this harp is easily transported, its size may make it difficult for a young student. Our Meghan harps are for the more advanced player. On two feet, they stand 51" tall. The highly decorated frame brings beauty and elegance to any room. Their 5 octaves allow a range of song styles to be played. This is often the harp played at weddings. We've broken down our harps into eight categories to allow you to better locate just the right harp. SPECIAL NOTE - No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again. |